The major was a mass murderer

• Last Updated: November 07. 2009 7:06PM UAE / November 7. 2009 3:06PM GMT

The article Gunman feared being sent to war (November 7) detailed how Major Nidal Malik Hasan killed 13 fellow soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, describing him as a “devout Muslim”. There is nothing devout about a man when he chooses to kill innocent co-workers.

No committed soldier who loves his country would kill his brothers and sisters. Why are they blaming his religion for his actions? The Muslims I know here don’t kill. They are peaceful, God-loving and love their family and friends. This is why we live here, a very peaceful country.

Melanie Lefebvre, Al Ain

Use sunlight to generate steam power plants

In reference to World’s first hybrid power plants show promise (November 5), hybrid power plants could definitely contribute to more eco-friendly power generation and saving natural resources. But as highlighted in the article, there is a cost for it with today’s technology. In a country like the UAE, where sun is available nearly throughout all the year, why not use the power from solar beams to generate steam?

The focus of solar beams through lenses can provide strong and cheap heating properties without the need to “seed” fields with thousands of mirrors. Sunlight would be used during day and alternative energy at night. Using a more simple technology would make more simple many aspects of the power plant and would surely lower the overall cost.

Tristan de Ferluc, Abu Dhabi

Take care with money transfers

The article Taking the loss out of transfers (November 5) just goes to show how bad the worldwide economy has become. There isn’t one person who doesn’t have someone close to them who has been negatively affected by the recession. The almighty pound is losing ground. The one thing we cannot afford to do now is pay more money for our money transfers.

Steven Adkins, US

Indian military sets a bad example

In India, the decision by the Services team to forfeit their scheduled Ranji trophy cricket match in Srinagar has very negative implications for the country as a whole.

If a team whose members comprise personnel from India’s armed forces refuses to play in their own country, fearing for their personal security, then no international sports team will be willing to travel and play in India, citing similar apprehensions.

There is less than a year to go for the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games to be followed by the 2011 Cricket World Cup. India’s neighbouring country is already in the middle of the worst-ever phase of terrorist attacks and India itself is besieged by a host of internal security issues from Maoists to separatist threats in various parts of the country.

Although such  problems will not disappear overnight, the need of the hour is to improve the overall security-related sentiment in the country so that sporting and cultural events can take place without fear of bombs and guns.

Amitabh S, Dubai

Compel boys to compete

In reference to the article Fears over education’s gender gap (November 6), this trend of girls outperforming boys is similar to that of the UK experience in urban underdeveloped areas. The youth of today, in comparison to their forefathers, mature later due to a lack of responsibility.

We have an increasing trend of a parenting culture playing no role, encouraging youthful delinquency. Often easy money and a hand-out culture stifles growth and society suffers in the long run. The culture of meritocracy has to be given priority. Until this is instilled by a carrot-and-stick method, boys will not be boys but remain as delinquents till late in their lives.

Dawud Burns, UK

In defence of vegetarianism

In her article The meat (and vegetables) of the matter (November 4), Nouf Al-Qasimi wrote: “But there has never been any consistent evidence proving that vegetarianism provides greater health benefits, and cultures known for the best longevity are non-vegetarian ones.”

It’s unfair to say that non-vegetarian cultures have the best longevity. Since there are no vegetarian cultures, how can you do a comparison? Bottom line: you can’t show animals compassion and respect and kill them because you like the taste of their flesh.

Daniel Wilson, US